LPN Refresher course -long drive or online

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Specializes in behavioral health.

Has anyone taken LPN online refresher course? I have found a self-study refresher course. Tests are taken in the community by own choice of proctor. 120 hrs. of clinical. However, I am responsible for finding my own preceptor/clinical site. That will be my biggest challenge. Also, this course is not currently approved in state I have license in. However, I believe they will be in the fall. I am not diving in, until there is acceptance by SBON. In this paricular refresher course, I would be seeking Board of Approval form state of OH.

Also, there is a 10 wk. course in state of PA. (I have license in this state, too) The only school available for refresher course is 75 miles from me. Two days of clasroom and two days of clinical. I believe that this would be exhausting after driving 75 miles each way for four days a week. And the clinical amounts to the same amount as self study. But, in this course, I am not responsible for finding my own site.

The self-study course is about $700 cheaper. However, I will have this paid for by my disability insurance. So, the cost is not a major ssue. It is finding my own clinicals vs. driving long distance.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated!

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Personally, I like the structure of an established program. Clearly, though, there are several reasons that the on-line option is appealing.

How 'bout starting to inquire about setting up clinical experiences? That can be a tough piece of the puzzle depending on local facility policies and who you know (or more of a problem, who you don't know). Whether or not you can arrange that is a major factor in what options you have. If you know someone who would be a good preceptor who is willing to work with you, then the on-line option might well be best all around.

Maybe you can also find out more about the course in PA. Can they maybe help you contact former students who took the refresher so you could pick their brains on whether or not that would be a good option for you? Could that program help you arrange a clinical experience even if you don't take the full course with them?

Good luck!

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Specializes in Education, IV Therapy, Travel Medicine.

In my experience finding your own clinical can be tough but, not impossible. It is difficult for one reason because JCAHO requires the hospitals to have current affilitation agreement which has to go through several layers of administration to get approved and takes a while. My suggestion is try places like nursing homes, many centers that rely on volunteers to see patients and may be run by a church or chartity. These usually don't have as many objections. Also, you might need your own student .

Good luck

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